Hana Hana - overhyped?

So a few weeks ago, I hit up Hana Hana for some quick Udon.  Lately there's been a lot of Hana Hana hype on blogosphere - people have been saying it's pretty much a substitute for Mappen (Udon/Soba place near Pepper Lunch).

I think if you like the feel of Wagaya, you'll like Hana Hana.  It feels very modern inside - the decor, the touchscreens...

touch screen comps

There were touch screen comps at the front of the restaurant.

Basically, how it works is everyone orders at these machines strategically placed at the entrance of the diner.  You then proceed to the hot food section where you can grab a tray and choose whatever tempura/sides you feel like. Then you move into the cold section - they have more choices than Mappen, offering sashimi and garden salads!  Then there's the miso soup/cold drinks next to the register.

I like the layout of Mappen better - it seems more intuitive and logical... And efficient actually.  I don't like having the machines at the front of the store. During peak hour, there must be a whole line of people standing outside to get in!

ANYWAY -

Ontama bukkake udon w sashimi & tempura

LOOK SASHIMI!
LOOK TEMPURA!
LOOK EGGGGGGGG!

OK. I like the sashimi. But the tempura and udon are definitely inferior to the tempura and udon at Mappen.  I feel like this tempura batter was really cakey and flour-y. At Mappen, the batter is light, so when it's fried, you don't have to bit through a whole layer of uncooked flour to get to the caramelised vegetable/cooked prawn inside. I think the flour they use for the batter is not milled fine enough.

mm ontama bukkake udon :)

I got the udon because I LOVE udon and I always get this at Mappen.  This one had a very chewy consistency and it was a bit undercooked. The soup base also tastes better at Mappen :D  [There is so much bias in this post. I go to Mappen so much...].  But the egg is lovely and pretty much same-ish.

I like the location of the shop though.  It's opposite Paddy's and pretty much in the UTS-hood. If you're after a quick meal without the hustlebustle, try Hana Hana. It's not bad. It's so hard to find a meal like this for the price that you pay.


When I was out on Friday, I noticed that French Riviera had closed down and another Hana Hana was open in its place! Not sure if it's the same restaurant though.  Will be checking that out sometime when I get back.


11 days until I jet off. D:  It seems incredibly soon.

(I feel a bit bitchy when I write posts like this... but oh well).